Wednesday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder was supposed to mark Kevin Durant’s first home game as a member of the Phoenix Suns. But that will not be the case.
During pregame warmups, Durant slipped on the court, injuring his left ankle.
As a result, Suns fans at Phoenix’s Footprint Center will have to wait a little longer to see Durant suit up for the home team.
Shams Charania of The Athletic tweeted the news on Wednesday, shortly before tipoff.
Kellan Olson of Empire of the Suns shared video of the incident.
Time will tell how serious the injury is. A screengrab of the injury indicates that it was a full-fledged roll of the left ankle, which is not good.
WHAT https://t.co/yfCesex4tH pic.twitter.com/a1IyPU90gV
—
ALL ICONIC SPORTS (@ALLICONICSPORTS) March 9, 2023
On the other hand, another angle showed Durant getting to his feet quickly, with minimal discomfort.
NBA fans responded to Durant’s injury, wishing him luck and lamenting the remarkably unlucky season that has taken place.
KD, CP3, and Booker are all injury prone
This isn’t gonna end well for Phoenix imo https://t.co/H1d5FFhJtS
— Ramon
(@RamonIsHim) March 9, 2023
Hopefully nothing serious for KD. #NBA #suns https://t.co/3Zh2DE9En8
— Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (@3cbPerformance) March 9, 2023
https://twitter.com/sahalabdi_/status/1633649691601641473
Durant walked ok after it happened. The still pic of it didn't look good. #Suns https://t.co/V7ZKRXo9di
— Steve Fifer (@SparkyRadio) March 9, 2023
The Suns have played three road games with Durant in the lineup. He’s averaged 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 69% from the field, 53.8% on threes and 88.2% on free throws. So, even after being sidelined for nearly two months, he didn’t miss much of a beat. Best of all, the team is 3-0 in those games.
Three of Phoenix’s next four games will be at home. The Suns will host the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, March 11. Then, after a road game against one of Durant’s old teams, the Golden State Warriors, Phoenix will be back home on Tuesday, March 14 and Thursday, March 16 for games against the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, respectively.
[Shams Charania, Kellan Olson]